Celebrate Penzi’s First Birthday!
Happy 1st Birthday to Tucson’s Big Baby, Penzi the African Elephant Calf
Penzi was born on April 6, 2020. Her birth inspired hope and joy for many during a difficult time, and people across the world have been following her story and every milestone along the way.
As Penzi’s first birthday is approaching, we can’t help but celebrate this incredible, special girl! Join the party when you take part in one of these festivities celebrating Tucson’s biggest baby, Penzi the elephant calf.
Zoom in to Celebrate – 2 p.m., Saturday, April 3
What is the first year of an elephant’s life like? Zoom with us for a virtual presentation of Penzi’s First Year! From her first steps to her latest skills, hear from the elephant care team and watch her grow during this retrospective event. Now tipping the scales at more than 1,000 pounds, Penzi has done a lot of growing in her first year! This event is free. Donations are appreciated and benefit the Zoo’s elephant program and conservation fund.
Join Us at the Zoo 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, April 3
On Saturday, April 3, come to the Zoo and watch the herd enjoy some special treats in celebration of Penzi’s first year of life! There will be cupcakes for the first 300 kids in the morning and the first 100 at 1 p.m. courtesy of Cakes for Causes and Craft Culinary Concepts, and festive music throughout the day. We’ll be singing Happy Birthday at 9:15 a.m. Africa Diaspora Showcase will perform at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Remember: Tickets to the Zoo are limited while we make room for social distancing, and must be reserved in advance. Tickets are made available one week in advance. Activities are free with Zoo admission.
Eat Breakfast with Penzi and the Herd (plus a very special guest!) – 7:30-9 a.m., Sunday, April 4 – Sold Out
Come to the Zoo before it opens to the public and enjoy a special birthday breakfast with Penzi and the elephant herd. The menu consists of berry parfaits, an assortment of bagels and breakfast breads, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, sausage and bacon with an assortment of tasty beverages, including mimosas for the adults. Observe as Penzi and the herd receive some special treats and watch a presentation by animal care staff. Penzi’s a hungry girl, and spends much of her day foraging — but don’t worry about her stealing anything off your plate! Penzi’s team says her favorite food changes frequently, but right now she’s really favoring cucumber slices and hay. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance to take photos and celebrate the littlest member of the elephant herd. Breakfast participants will receive a commemorative photo of Penzi. Tickets for breakfast are limited and are $60 for adults and $40 for children ages 2 and older. This event is sold out.
Symbolically Adopt Penzi
Does Penzi feel like a part of your family? Make it official when you symbolically adopt the youngest member of the herd. Now through April 6, we are offering a limited edition Penzi Adoption package, which includes an adoption certificate and an information sheet about this big baby. Learn more about the Zoo’s adoption packages on this page and select “Elephant Calf Penzi” from the dropdown menu to adopt Penzi. Use code SPRING21 to receive $5 off Parent Partner level adoptions and $20 off Keeper’s Korner level adoptions.
Enter to Win Penzi’s Gift to You
Penzi is sure to get some incredible enrichment from her care team to celebrate her birthday, but what about a nice surprise for you? Enter our raffle for a chance to win a special visit with Penzi and the herd. Raffle chances are $5 each. Proceeds will benefit the Zoo’s conservation fund, which supports the Tarangire Elephant Project in Africa in its efforts to protect wild elephants.